TAA

LEXINGTON, KY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present once again this year at Gulfstream Park on Florida Derby Day. Held on April 1, 2023, the Curlin Florida Derby coined as “the biggest race day of the year in South Florida” is a Grade 1 Kentucky Derby prep-race. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has partnered with 1/ST RACING to have a variety of on-site activations during the day. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be recognized with a named race on the Florida Derby Day undercard. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will also present the Best Turned Out Horse Awards sponsored by 1/ST RACING and Gulfstream Park for all races of the day. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for jockeys to pledge their jocks mount fee to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. 1/ST RACING will promote accredited aftercare awareness throughout the day. Representatives from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site on Florida Derby Day as a VIP concierge for one of the VIP experiences that were auctioned off earlier this year in the “Off to the Races” campaign to promote aftercare awareness. This exciting VIP experience was generously donated by 1/ST RACING. “1/ST RACING and Gulfstream Park are proud to have supported the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since 2014,” said Nicole Walker, Vice President, The Stronach Group and TAA Committee Member. “The mission of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is of the utmost importance to this industry, and we are happy to highlight aftercare awareness on such a big day of racing here at Gulfstream Park.” It was also announced that the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance would be the co-beneficiary for the Florida Derby Charity Golf Tournament alongside the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. The charity golf tournament, hosted by 1/ST RACING, will be held on Monday, March 27, at the Pembroke Lakes Golf & Country Club. Teams in the top three placings will receive gift bags from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Interested participants can contact Stacy Nicks at Gulfstream Park for more information by email or phone: stacy.nicks@gulfstreampark.com / (954) 457-6284. “We are thrilled to be back at Gulfstream Park this year with a variety of promotions during the Curlin Florida Derby to draw attention to accredited aftercare,” said Emily Dresen, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Director, Funding & Events.  “It is especially exciting to have the added event of the Florida Derby Charity Golf Tournament, and we are honored that 1/ST RACING has appointed the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as a co-beneficiary.” About the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $28.1 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 81 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org. About 1/ST The Stronach Group is a world-class technology, entertainment, media, content and real estate development company with Thoroughbred horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering at the core.  The company’s consumer facing brand 1/ST (pronounced “First”) powers The Stronach Group’s forward-thinking 1/ST RACING & GAMING, 1/ST CONTENT, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, 1/ST EXPERIENCE, and 1/ST PROPERTIES businesses, while advocating for and driving the 1/ST HORSE CARE mission. 1/ST represents The Stronach Group’s continued movement toward redefining Thoroughbred horse racing and the ecosystem that drives it. 1/ST RACING & GAMING drives the best-in-class horse racing operations and gaming offerings at the company’s premier racetracks and training centers including: Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields and San Luis Rey Downs (California); Gulfstream Park – home of the Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series and Palm Meadows Thoroughbred Training Center (Florida); the Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course – home of the legendary Preakness Stakes and Rosecroft Raceway (Maryland). 1/ST CONTENT is the operating group for 1/ST’s media and content companies including: Monarch Content Management, Elite, TSG Global Wagering Solutions (GWS) and XBTV. 1/ST TECHNOLOGY is horse racing’s largest racing and gaming technology company offering world-class products via its AmTote, Xpressbet, 1/ST BET, XB SELECT, XB NET, PariMAX and Betmix brands. 1/ST EXPERIENCE blends the worlds of sports, entertainment and hospitality through elevated national and local venue management and hospitality, strategic partnerships and sponsorships. 1/ST PROPERTIES is responsible for the development of the company’s live, work and play communities surrounding its racing venues, including: The Village at Gulfstream Park (Florida) and Paddock Pointe (Maryland).  As the advocate for critical industry reforms and by making meaningful investments into aftercare programs for retired horses and jockeys, 1/ST HORSE CARE represents The Stronach Group’s commitment to achieving the highest level of horse and rider care and safety standards in Thoroughbred horse racing on and off the track. For more information, please visit www.1st.com or follow @1ST_racing on Twitter or @1stracing on Instagram and Facebook. Contact Stacie Clark 859-230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org

LEXINGTON, KY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be represented with a named race on Jeff Ruby Steaks Day at Turfway Park on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Jeff Ruby Steaks Day brings an afternoon of racing highlighted by the $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks, a Grade III prep-race for the Kentucky Derby. Held on the synthetic Tapeta track, the 1 1/8 mile race garners Kentucky Derby qualification points distributed as 100-40-30-20-10 to the top five horses. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Race will be Race 6, with a post time of 3:13 PM EDT. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag. Turfway Park will feature and promote accredited aftercare awareness throughout the race day. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will have a booth to interact and promote accredited aftercare on-site. “Turfway is proud to stand behind the great work of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and host them once again on such a special day of racing,” said Turfway Park Director of Racing & Racing Secretary, Tyler B. Picklesimer. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is excited to be back at Turfway for the 2023 Jeff Ruby Steaks!” said Emily Dresen, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Director, Funding & Events.  “We look forward to a fantastic day of racing and celebrating with fellow fans, industry participants and the Turfway Park team.” Contact Stacie Clark 859-230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org About the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $28.1 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 81 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.    

LEXINGTON, KY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be featured at Tampa Bay Downs with a named race on the Tampa Bay Derby undercard on Saturday, March 11. Following the running of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and swag bag. Tampa Bay Downs, a longtime supporter of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, will feature and promote accredited aftercare awareness throughout the race day and race meet. As part of Tampa Bay Down’s support, a VIP experience has been donated to the winners of the January 2023 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance “Off to the Races” online benefit auction of bucket list racing events.  This all-inclusive VIP experience consists of dining, premium seating, winner’s circle access, and more. “We are excited to have Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance on-site during the Tampa Bay Derby with a featured race and hosting a VIP experience,” said Margo Flynn, Vice President of Marketing and Publicity at Tampa Bay Downs. “We value aftercare and think this is a great opportunity to promote everything that the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance does on one of our biggest race days.” “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is thrilled to have such longstanding support from Tampa Bay Downs” said Emily Dresen, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Director, Funding & Events. “Accredited aftercare is important to Tampa Bay Downs, and they continue to promote safe and proper aftercare for our equine athletes through a variety of avenues, and we are so excited to be here for the Tampa Bay Derby.” Contact Stacie Clark 859-230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org   About the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $28.1 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 81 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.

LEXINGTON, KY — The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be the beneficiary of a special charity Pick 5 wager featured on CNBC during its next stop on the 1/ST RACING TOUR on Saturday, March 4. The upcoming day of coast-to-coast racing features 13 stakes races including the G1 Santa Anita Handicap and two Triple Crown Preps – Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park and San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park. NBC Sports will produce and air a 2-hour telecast from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. (ET) on CNBC. Five of the six stakes broadcast on the show will be part of a special All-Graded Stakes 1/ST COAST-TO-COAST PICK 5. The bet is a $1 minimum with a 15% takeout. 1/ST RACING & GAMING and NBC are working together on the special charity Pick 5 bet with the winnings to be allocated to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. NBC reporters Nick Luck and Britney Eurton will team up to face off against NBC analysts Randy Moss and Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey in a friendly competition. Each team will have $500 to bet on the Coast-To-Coast Pick 5 with the winnings being donated to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. 1/ST RACING & GAMING will donate $1000 to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance no matter the outcome of the wagers. “We are proud to support the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and are always looking for ways to raise awareness and donations to support their great work. This Saturday’s 1/ST RACING TOUR is shaping up to be an epic day of racing. With 13 stakes races and 263 horses entered at Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park we thought we’d add to the excitement with a little help from our friends at NBC,” said Aidan Butler, Chief Executive Officer, 1/ST RACING & GAMING. Races included in the Coast-To-Coast Pick 5 are listed below: LEG TRACK RACE # POST TIME (ET) Leg A Gulfstream Park Race 12 4:37 PM ET Leg B Santa Anita Park Race 5 *4:55 PM ET Leg C Gulfstream Park Race 13 5:09 PM ET Leg D Santa Anita Park Race 6 *5:27 PM ET Leg E Gulfstream Park Race 14 5:43 PM ET Race names R12        Davona Dale presented by Fan Duel – Gulfstream Park R5          Buena Vista – Santa Anita R13        Mac Diarmida – Gulfstream Park R6          San Felipe – Santa Anita R14        Fountain of Youth – Gulfstream Park The Pick 5 tickets will be released Saturday morning at 1/ST RACING & GAMING’s twitter handle Tune in to CNBC at 4:00 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, March 4 to watch. We encourage everyone to join in the action! About the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $28.1 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 81 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.   About 1/ST The Stronach Group is a world-class technology, entertainment, media, content and real estate development company with Thoroughbred horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering at the core.  The company’s consumer facing brand 1/ST (pronounced “First”) powers The Stronach Group’s forward-thinking 1/ST RACING & GAMING, 1/ST CONTENT, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, 1/ST EXPERIENCE, and 1/ST PROPERTIES businesses, while advocating for and driving the 1/ST HORSE CARE mission. 1/ST represents The Stronach Group’s continued movement toward redefining Thoroughbred horse racing and the ecosystem that drives it. 1/ST RACING & GAMING drives the best-in-class horse racing operations and gaming offerings at the company’s premier racetracks and training centers including: Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields and San Luis Rey Downs (California); Gulfstream Park – home of the Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series and Palm Meadows Thoroughbred Training Center (Florida); the Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course – home of the legendary Preakness Stakes and Rosecroft Raceway (Maryland). 1/ST CONTENT is the operating group for 1/ST’s media and content companies including: Monarch Content Management, Elite, TSG Global Wagering Solutions (GWS) and XBTV. 1/ST TECHNOLOGY is horse racing’s largest racing and gaming technology company offering world-class products via its AmTote, Xpressbet, 1/ST BET, XB SELECT, XB NET, PariMAX and Betmix brands. 1/ST EXPERIENCE blends the worlds of sports, entertainment and hospitality through elevated national and local venue management and hospitality, strategic partnerships and sponsorships. 1/ST PROPERTIES is responsible for the development of the company’s live, work and play communities surrounding its racing venues, including: The Village at Gulfstream Park (Florida) and Paddock Pointe (Maryland).  As the advocate for critical industry reforms and by making meaningful investments into aftercare programs for retired horses and jockeys, 1/ST HORSE CARE represents The Stronach Group’s commitment to achieving the highest level of horse and rider care and safety standards in Thoroughbred horse racing on and off the track. For more information, please visit www.1st.com or follow @1ST_racing on Twitter or @1stracing on Instagram and Facebook. Contact Stacie Clark (859) 230-5881 sclark@thoroughbredaftercare.org Samantha Smith (859) 224-2882 ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org

By: Mary Eddy/NYRA When a graded stakes-placed dark bay gelding named Digger crossed the finish line third in the 2011 Mister Diz at Pimlico Race Course, his connections knew it was time for the veteran of 39 starts to turn the page and look to a new life beyond the racetrack. It was then that he was sent to New Vocations – a non-profit that retrains and rehomes retired racehorses – and adopted by Verena Brassfield to spend the rest of his days on a tranquil 600-acre farm in Tennessee. “I’ve always had a thing for thoroughbreds and I couldn’t ask for a better horse,” said Brassfield. “I had a thoroughbred before him who passed away, and at first, I didn’t want another horse. But then someone gave my husband the website for New Vocations, and the first picture I saw was my baby. I said, ‘That’s him.’ A week after I applied, I got a call that I was approved.” Digger, a Maryland-bred son of Yonaguska, made his first outing as a juvenile in 2006 and graduated at fourth asking by an impressive 9 1/2 lengths that December at Laurel Park. As a sophomore, he captured three more stakes at Laurel in the Deputed Testamony by a dominating 11 3/4 lengths, the Northern Dancer and the Jennings Handicap to close out the year. In 2008, Digger moved north to the NYRA circuit, where he scored a pair of victories at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. The following year saw his greatest Empire State successes when he earned four victories at NYRA tracks, led by a determined score in the Gravesend to cap his productive campaign. Ridden by Rosie Napravnik, Digger showed his typical frontrunning tactics and raced with Pashito the Che tracking close in second. Digger put 1 1/2 lengths between him and Pashito the Che at the stretch call and was able to fend off his determined rival by a nose in a final time of 1:11.66 for six furlongs over the inner dirt. Digger earned one more stakes victory to kick off his 2010 campaign with a 3 3/4-length victory in Laurel Park’s Fire Plug, and visited the winner’s circle for the last time in March 2011 before owner Repole Stable and trainer Bruce Brown decided to retire the evergreen veteran at age 7. “I watched the replays of his races and if someone had told me then that one day he would be mine, I would have told them they were crazy,” Brassfield said. “He was a good racehorse, and he could run, and still can. When he takes off in the paddock, he leaves everybody behind.” Digger was sent to one of New Vocations’ Ohio facilities where he was cared for until Brassfield saw his posting and applied for adoption in the spring of 2012. It was not long before she was approved, and Digger found his forever home. While Digger needed a great deal of patience and commitment to learn how to be ridden beyond racing, Brassfield was determined to help the beloved gelding settle down and enjoy his retirement. New Vocations, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded by Dot Morgan in 1992 and is one of 81 facilities accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), an accrediting body that fundraises and awards funds to its accredited organizations throughout the year. The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and its horsemen support the efforts of the TAA with each owner who participates at a NYRA racetrack donating $10 per start to thoroughbred aftercare. Additionally, horsemen donate 1.5 percent of the purchase price of horses claimed on the circuit to the TAA and to the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association’s (NYTHA) TAKE THE LEAD program, which provides veterinary exams and the funds for transportation and retraining costs for horses at NYRA racetracks. “Digger was donated to our program on February 5, 2012, by Mike Repole and was in our program for four months before he was adopted,” said Anna Ford, the Thoroughbred Program Director for New Vocations. “He was a very classy guy.” Brassfield said Digger has been the best teacher she could ask for. “He’s so happy, but in the beginning, he was crazy,” said Brassfield, with a laugh. “He was headstrong and if the boy doesn’t like you, you’ll know it. He’s honest, and I said, ‘Even if I can’t ever ride him, he has his forever home.’ He gives me everything I need just by being here. He taught me more than any horse could have taught me.” 10 years after stepping off the racetrack and with much patience and gradual improvements, Digger enjoys some light riding and flatwork and has settled in beautifully to his retirement. Brassfield describes Digger as “a puppy,” his gentle nature and intelligence allowing him to teach even the youngest of horse lovers. “I started training him and working with him every day,” said Brassfield. “He’s good with kids – another boarder at the farm says Digger is the only horse she trusts with her 3-year-old daughter. He’s not spooky, he’s willing and there’s nothing I can’t throw at him that’s he’s not willing to accept. He has a sense of humor and likes things a certain way.” Digger, who once ran Beyer Speed Figures exceeding 100, leads a quieter life these days, enjoying his time out of the spotlight and with his devoted owner. Though he is a bit limited in his abilities under tack, Digger enjoys the occasional trail ride and flatwork, along with his time to himself in his large paddock with a herd of friends. “He does trail riding and we did lessons for a little dressage, but other than that, he’s leisure and pleasure. He has 30 or 40 acres to roam with about eight other horses. He loves it and loves being out there,” Brassfield said. “All the mares in the pasture are his according to him. He has made one friend that came two months ago, a quarter horse

Centennial Farms sponsored the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Best Turned Out Horse Awards during the Pegasus World Cup card Jan. 28, 2023 at Gulfstream Park. 2023 marks Centennial’s fifth consecutive year Centennial Farms has sponsored the awards.   RACE 1 #12 QUALY Groom: Manuel Felipe Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.   RACE 2 #9 PERFORM Groom: Marco Antonio Trainer: Claude McGaughey III   RACE 3 #4 SOLE VOLANTE Groom: Carlos Arantes Trainer: Patrick Biacone   RACE 4 — The South Beach presented by Pepsi #1 KAHIKO Groom: Nestor Ramos Trainer: J. Kent Sweezey   RACE 5 #11 JOURNEYMAN Groom: Javier Solis Trainer: Saffie Joseph, Jr.   RACE 6 — The La Prevoyante presented by Don Julio (G3) #4 BESIDE HERSELF Groom: Edwin Garcia Trainer: Todd Pletcher   RACE 7 — The Carousel Club presented by Seminole Hard Rock #8 GREYES CREEK Groom: Victor Mendoza Trainer: Paulo Lobo   RACE 8 — The Inside Information presented by Brightline (G2) #4 OBLIGATORY Groom: Ana Hernandez Trainer: William Mott   RACE 9 — The William L. McKnight presented by Davidoff Cigars (G3) #3 PAO ALTO (FR) Groom: Esteban Ramierz Trainer: Graham Motion   RACE 10 — The Fred W. Hooper presented by Whispering Angel (G3) #9 ENDORSED Groom: Edwardo Agustin Trainer: Mike Maker   RACE 11 — The TAA Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational presented by Pepsi (G3) #2 DALIKA Groom: Omar Bahena Trainer: Albert Stall, Jr.   RACE 12 — The Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational presented by Qatar Racing (G1) #6 LADY SPEIGHTSPEARE Groom: Anastasia Zemtsov Trainer: Roger Attfield   RACE 13 — The Pegasus World Cup Invitational presented by Baccarat (G1) #1 PROXY Groom: James Darjean Trainer: Michael Stidham

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced Nov. 18 that $3.6 million will be awarded as grants to 81 Thoroughbred aftercare organizations that currently hold TAA accreditation. Since inception in 2012, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has now awarded more than $28.1 million in grants to accredited Thoroughbred aftercare organizations. “As the industry’s leader in aftercare, the TAA is proud of what we have been able to accomplish in the last 10 years and of the collaborative effort of our industry stakeholders to help raise vital funds to assist our organizations,” said TAA President, Jeff Bloom. “Please consider a donation to the TAA this holiday season and beyond as we continue to strive to fund aftercare across North America.” In 10 years as an umbrella organization for aftercare, the TAA has grown from 23 to 81 accredited organizations and from $1 million to $3.6 million in annual grants. In total, TAA has awarded over $28.1 million in grants—earmarked specifically for equine care—to TAA-accredited organizations who have retrained, retired, and rehomed over 15,000 Thoroughbreds across approximately 180 facilities. “Congratulations to the 81 accredited organizations who were awarded grants from the TAA,” said TAA Accreditation and Grants Manager, Janice Towles. “Each aftercare organization accredited by the TAA has proven that they operate with the highest of standards, and while these organizations are busy day in and day out caring for thousands of retired racehorses, they can rest a little easier knowing the TAA is here to provide much-needed funding.” Accredited organizations undergo a thorough application and inspection process prior to accreditation being awarded to ensure they meet the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s Code of Standards, which covers five key areas: operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. Facility inspections are conducted at all facilities housing Thoroughbreds for each organization. Ongoing updates and re-inspections are required of all organizations as a condition of accreditation. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by members from every aspect of the Thoroughbred industry, including owners, breeders, trainers, stallion farms, racetracks, sales companies, horsemen’s groups, foundations, veterinarians, horseplayers, racing fans, wagering technology companies, and many others. FAQ: Click here to see answers to TAA’s frequently asked questions. PHOTO: Mareesa Kelly

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) hosted its Second Annual Calendar Photo Contest. Twelve winning photos were chosen to be featured in the 2023 TAA calendar. Entries for the contest were collected online from April 5 until June 11, 2022. Contestants had the opportunity to win the top prize of a Tipperary 9800 Devon with MIPS helmet, sponsored by Tipperary. The top 12 winners received a TAA swag bag and copy of the 2023 calendar. The first-place submission, which is also featured on the cover of the 2023 TAA Calendar, was won by Erin Degnan and her adopted off-track Thoroughbred Cackle the Cuda, courtesy of John Miller, Spectrum Photography. Cackle the Cuda made 43 starts before retiring from racing with a record of 8-11-6 and earnings of $118,790. Now this Kentucky-bred warhorse is enjoying a life of competitive trail and endurance riding. TAA-accredited After the Races began retraining Cackle the Cuda for a second career after racing, before placing him for adoption which ultimately led the son of Candy Ride (ARG) to Degnan. The 12 photographs chosen for the 2023 calendar photo contest are as follows: “Caribbean Meets Cowboy” by Chelsey Burris – TAA-accredited Organization: Friends of Ferdinand “Cackle the Cuda” by Erin Degnan (Photo by: John Miller of Spectrum Photography) – TAA-accredited Organization: After the Races “Hard Work Working Hard” by Natalie DePinto (Photo by: AK Dragoo Photography) – TAA-accredited Organization: Thoroughbred Placement Resources “Cyrus Looks to The Future” by Robin Doniger – TAA-accredited Organization: Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation “Just A Girl and Her Heart Horse” by Lyndsy McLendon – TAA-accredited Organization: Equine Rescue of Aiken “Three Bears” by Anita Motion – TAA-accredited Organization: Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation “Peekaboo, I see you!” by Sarah Mowat – TAA-accredited Organization: Illinois Equine Humane Center “Learning Something New” by Natasha Roberson – TAA-accredited Organization: Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare “Let’s Rumble” by Courtney VanErstvelde (Photo by: Jessika Lester Photography) – TAA-accredited Organization: After the Races “Winter Walks” by Justine Watson (Photo by: Glenn Watson) – TAA-accredited Organization: After the Races “Playing in the Pond” by CJ Wilson (Photo by: Philip Martin) – TAA-accredited Organization: Win Place Home “Splish Splash” by Wendy Wooley – TAA-accredited Organization: Secretariat Center For the second consecutive year, the TAA calendar is sponsored by Repole Stable. “The TAA is an awesome organization that we are always thrilled to support,” said Mike Repole. “Their calendar is a great way to show off what our amazing Thoroughbreds can do off the track.” “Congratulations to all our Photo Contest winners, and thank you to everyone who entered,” said TAA Office Manager, Catherine Flowers. “We received many wonderful photos of Thoroughbreds excelling in their second careers, and we look forward to sharing these photos and stories with TAA supporters and donors. Thank you also to our generous sponsors Tipperary and Repole Stable for enabling us to put on this fun contest and produce this beautiful calendar for the second year.” The 2023 TAA Calendar is now available for pre-order. Every $20 donation to the TAA is eligible to receive a calendar upon request. Calendars will begin shipping in November. To preorder the 2023 TAA Calendar, click here.

Just two months after completing his last work at Ellis Park, the Madaket Stables-owned, Steve Asmussen trainee retired with a record of 3-3-2 to TAA-accredited Second Stride.

Named after WWII war hero and MLB professional baseball player Leland Victor Brissie, meet Lou Brissie, the retired graded stakes winner.